ATI RN Comprehensive Predictor 2026 | Complete
Practice Exam & Remediation Guide
1. A nurse is caring for a client with heart failure. Which finding indicates fluid volume
overload?
A. Weight loss of 1 kg in 24 hr
B. Dry mucous membranes
C. Crackles in bilateral lung bases
D. Decreased jugular venous distention
Answer: C. Crackles in bilateral lung bases
Rationale: Crackles indicate fluid accumulation in the lungs, a common manifestation of
fluid volume overload associated with heart failure.
2. A nurse is assessing a client who has hypoglycemia. Which finding should the nurse
expect?
A. Bradycardia
B. Cool, clammy skin
C. Polyuria
D. Fruity breath odor
Answer: B. Cool, clammy skin
Rationale: Hypoglycemia stimulates the sympathetic nervous system, causing
diaphoresis, shakiness, and cool clammy skin.
3. A nurse is administering a blood transfusion. Which action should the nurse take first if
the client develops chills and low back pain?
A. Slow the infusion rate
B. Stop the transfusion
C. Administer acetaminophen
D. Notify the laboratory
Answer: B. Stop the transfusion
,Rationale: Chills and low back pain may indicate a hemolytic transfusion reaction. The
priority is to stop the transfusion immediately.
4. A nurse is teaching a client about warfarin therapy. Which statement indicates
understanding?
A. “I will increase my intake of spinach.”
B. “I will take aspirin for headaches.”
C. “I will report unusual bleeding.”
D. “I do not need blood tests.”
Answer: C. “I will report unusual bleeding.”
Rationale: Bleeding is a major adverse effect of warfarin and should be reported promptly.
5. A nurse is caring for a client with COPD. Which oxygen delivery method is preferred?
A. Nonrebreather mask at 15 L/min
B. Venturi mask
C. Face tent
D. Simple mask
Answer: B. Venturi mask
Rationale: A Venturi mask delivers precise oxygen concentrations and is preferred for
clients with COPD.
6. A nurse should identify which electrolyte imbalance as a risk factor for cardiac
dysrhythmias?
A. Hypercalcemia
B. Hypernatremia
C. Hypokalemia
D. Hypermagnesemia
Answer: C. Hypokalemia
Rationale: Potassium plays a critical role in cardiac conduction. Low levels increase
dysrhythmia risk.
, 7. A nurse is caring for a client following a thyroidectomy. Which finding requires immediate
intervention?
A. Hoarse voice
B. Temperature 37.4°C (99.3°F)
C. Tingling around the mouth
D. Mild incisional pain
Answer: C. Tingling around the mouth
Rationale: Tingling may indicate hypocalcemia due to accidental parathyroid gland
damage.
8. Which finding indicates effective treatment for bacterial pneumonia?
A. Increased WBC count
B. Improved oxygen saturation
C. Increased sputum production
D. Persistent fever
Answer: B. Improved oxygen saturation
Rationale: Improved oxygenation reflects better lung function and treatment effectiveness.
9. A nurse should place a client who has active tuberculosis in which type of isolation?
A. Contact
B. Droplet
C. Airborne
D. Protective
Answer: C. Airborne
Rationale: Tuberculosis spreads through airborne particles and requires airborne
precautions.
10. Which laboratory value should the nurse report immediately?
A. Sodium 138 mEq/L
B. Potassium 2.8 mEq/L
Practice Exam & Remediation Guide
1. A nurse is caring for a client with heart failure. Which finding indicates fluid volume
overload?
A. Weight loss of 1 kg in 24 hr
B. Dry mucous membranes
C. Crackles in bilateral lung bases
D. Decreased jugular venous distention
Answer: C. Crackles in bilateral lung bases
Rationale: Crackles indicate fluid accumulation in the lungs, a common manifestation of
fluid volume overload associated with heart failure.
2. A nurse is assessing a client who has hypoglycemia. Which finding should the nurse
expect?
A. Bradycardia
B. Cool, clammy skin
C. Polyuria
D. Fruity breath odor
Answer: B. Cool, clammy skin
Rationale: Hypoglycemia stimulates the sympathetic nervous system, causing
diaphoresis, shakiness, and cool clammy skin.
3. A nurse is administering a blood transfusion. Which action should the nurse take first if
the client develops chills and low back pain?
A. Slow the infusion rate
B. Stop the transfusion
C. Administer acetaminophen
D. Notify the laboratory
Answer: B. Stop the transfusion
,Rationale: Chills and low back pain may indicate a hemolytic transfusion reaction. The
priority is to stop the transfusion immediately.
4. A nurse is teaching a client about warfarin therapy. Which statement indicates
understanding?
A. “I will increase my intake of spinach.”
B. “I will take aspirin for headaches.”
C. “I will report unusual bleeding.”
D. “I do not need blood tests.”
Answer: C. “I will report unusual bleeding.”
Rationale: Bleeding is a major adverse effect of warfarin and should be reported promptly.
5. A nurse is caring for a client with COPD. Which oxygen delivery method is preferred?
A. Nonrebreather mask at 15 L/min
B. Venturi mask
C. Face tent
D. Simple mask
Answer: B. Venturi mask
Rationale: A Venturi mask delivers precise oxygen concentrations and is preferred for
clients with COPD.
6. A nurse should identify which electrolyte imbalance as a risk factor for cardiac
dysrhythmias?
A. Hypercalcemia
B. Hypernatremia
C. Hypokalemia
D. Hypermagnesemia
Answer: C. Hypokalemia
Rationale: Potassium plays a critical role in cardiac conduction. Low levels increase
dysrhythmia risk.
, 7. A nurse is caring for a client following a thyroidectomy. Which finding requires immediate
intervention?
A. Hoarse voice
B. Temperature 37.4°C (99.3°F)
C. Tingling around the mouth
D. Mild incisional pain
Answer: C. Tingling around the mouth
Rationale: Tingling may indicate hypocalcemia due to accidental parathyroid gland
damage.
8. Which finding indicates effective treatment for bacterial pneumonia?
A. Increased WBC count
B. Improved oxygen saturation
C. Increased sputum production
D. Persistent fever
Answer: B. Improved oxygen saturation
Rationale: Improved oxygenation reflects better lung function and treatment effectiveness.
9. A nurse should place a client who has active tuberculosis in which type of isolation?
A. Contact
B. Droplet
C. Airborne
D. Protective
Answer: C. Airborne
Rationale: Tuberculosis spreads through airborne particles and requires airborne
precautions.
10. Which laboratory value should the nurse report immediately?
A. Sodium 138 mEq/L
B. Potassium 2.8 mEq/L
